Dental Practice Consulting FAQs

What is dental practice consulting, and why isn’t “how-to” enough?

Dental practice consulting is about creating real, lasting change—not just providing ideas or instructions. While “how-to” resources explain what should be done, they don’t create accountability, consistency, or team alignment.

Our consulting focuses on hands-on training, leadership development, and real-time coaching so systems are implemented and sustained, not just discussed.

How much work will consulting be for me as the dentist?

Less than most dentists expect. Our results come from training and empowering your team, not adding to your workload.

Your role is leadership and direction, while we work directly with your staff to improve efficiency, communication, and accountability. Over time, most dentists experience reduced stress and a more manageable day-to-day practice.

How is dental consulting delivered — in person, remotely, or both?

Our dental consulting is delivered through a combination of in-office training and ongoing leadership and management coaching.

We provide more than 80 hours of in-person training in your office during normal work hours, working directly with your team to improve scheduling, case acceptance, communication, and daily workflows.

In addition, the dentist and/or practice manager participates in weekly coaching calls with the lead consultant throughout the consulting period. These calls focus on leadership, team management, scheduling, financial performance, accountability, and any challenges affecting practice goals. The lead consultant returns to the office as needed to address more complex issues.

What results can I expect from dental consulting?

Most clients see measurable improvements within the first few months. On average, our clients increase production by approximately $18,000 per month per dentist within a year.

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Results typically include improved scheduling, fewer no-shows, increased case acceptance, stronger hygiene systems, better team communication, reduced stress, and a more profitable, smoothly run practice.

My schedule is already full — can I still increase production?

Yes. Many of our strongest results come from practices with full schedules.
 

A full schedule does not always mean an efficient or productive schedule. By improving flow, eliminating bottlenecks, and protecting high-value time, practices can increase production without working faster, longer, or harder.

Do you raise fees to increase production?

No. We do not recommend raising fees during the consulting process.

All production increases come from operational improvements such as better scheduling, stronger systems, improved case acceptance, and more effective team communication—not fee changes.

Will I be asked to change how I diagnose dentistry?

Absolutely not. Diagnosing dentistry is always the sole responsibility of the dentist.

We do not coach diagnosis. We help improve how treatment is presented so patients better understand their options and are more likely to accept recommended care—ethically and transparently.

Do you work with dental practices nationwide, including small towns and large metro areas?

Yes. We work with dental practices across the United States, in both small towns and large metropolitan areas.

While every practice is unique, the systems and leadership principles we teach apply regardless of location. Our consultants travel to your office for in-person training and ongoing support.

What if I don’t get results from consulting?

Before beginning any engagement, we conduct a free evaluation to determine whether your practice has the potential for improvement.

When practices commit to implementing the recommended systems and leadership changes, results are consistently achieved. In rare cases where results take longer, it is typically due to internal resistance or staffing challenges—not the effectiveness of the systems themselves.

Will there be staff turnover if I hire you to consult my practice?

Staff turnover is unlikely. We are very team-friendly and focus on winning the staff over, because they are the ones who ultimately create the breakthrough in productivity.

Our consulting gives team members the training, structure, and support they need to be successful. In most practices, initial apprehension fades quickly as the team realizes we are on their side.

In rare cases, if a dentist already knows there is a weak or un-coachable team member, consulting may bring that issue to the surface. Sometimes attitudes improve with training and leadership; occasionally a change is necessary.

If you feel you already have a strong team, you should expect little to no turnover. We operate on win/win principles — the doctor wins, the staff wins, and patients win.

How does the consulting process work with The Ledbetter Group?

We tailor our consulting to the needs of our client, focused on the personal and professional goals of the dentist. To see a basic outline of the typical process visit our "What to Expect" page. Please contact us to ask additional questions about our dental practice consulting.